Cowes is a vibrant, exciting place at any time, with sporting and cultural events throughout the year. It’s a sophisticated resort you won’t want to miss. The town stretches across the mouth of the river Medina estuary, where the famous chain ferry shuttles pedestrians and cars from one side of the river to the other, in just a few minutes.

Explore our rich and fascinating history by visiting maritime museums orQueen Victoria’s seaside palace. Enjoy a stroll along the seafront and see boats of every shape and size, or head for the nearby beaches to soak up the sun.

Browse the town’s famous shopping streets and pick up everything from designer socks to artisan cheese and wine. Pretty pavement cafes, bars, boutique shops and galleries can be found in East and West Cowes, Relax over a glass of fizz and then choose somewhere special for dinner, there’s nowhere like Cowes after dark.

Stay in Cowes or the surrounding area to take full advantage of everything this resort has to offer, and when you know Cowes, head off to explore more of the Isle of Wight. Welcome to Cowes!

If you thought sailing was the only reason to go to Cowes, then you’re in for a pleasant surprise. There are so many dining and shopping options in both Cowes and East Cowes that you may not even have time to make it to the water! And if you have been sailing all day, rest assured there are plenty of eateries to try out afterwards. If you’re in the mood for an on-deck picnic then head to The Food Hamper delicatessen on Cowes High Street, where the friendly staff will sort you out a feast fit for a day’s sailing. They’ll also fix you a simple yet freshly delicious crab sandwich if you’d prefer for a light bite.

The first known settlements in the Cowes area were created by Vikings, who during the 11th Century used the Medina River as a base for raids along the South Coast of England. They established a settlement on the west bank of the river, roughly opposite where the Folly Inn is today, and it is believed they may have used it as a winter quarters.

Be Inspired

If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day’s sailing, or a refreshing pint overlooking the water, Cowes and East Cowes offer a large variety of cafes, pubs and hostelries to choose from.

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Did you also know? ..

The 22 canons used by the Royal Yacht Squadron to start races were taken from William IV’s royal yacht Adelaide. It sank in 1834 on the lake at Virginia Water near Windsor. They were presented to RYS in 1894 by the then Prince of Wales.

Cowes shipyards built 317 ships during World War II, including 26 destroyers

Donald Campbell record breaking speedboat Bluebird was designed by Saunders Roe in East Cowes

The propeller displayed in East Cowes is from HMS Cavalier built in Cowes in 1944. She remained the Roya Navy’s fastest ship for over a quarter of a century